NHL makes right call on Hossa

Tuesday

Apr 27, 2010 at 12:01 AMApr 27, 2010 at 2:20 PM

I heard a radio commentator throwing out conspiracy theories when the NHL did not suspend Marian Hossa for pushing a Predator into the boards in the Blackhawks Game 5 victory Saturday. Everyone seemed to think beforehand, including the TV commentators, that he would be suspended. I haven't watched much hockey since graduating from NCAA power North Dakota in 1982, but I never thought he'd get suspended. Yes, Hossa pushed a player into the boards from behind, but it was more a nudge than a vicious shove and it came when both players were fighting for the puck. The NHL said basically the same thing when it made it's ruling:

NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell conducted a phone hearing with Hossa earlier Sunday afternoon. Campbell made the following statement after the meeting:

"I have made the decision that this play does not warrant supplemental discipline after considering all of the facts, including reviewing the video and speaking with Mr. Hossa," said Campbell. "This play is distinguishable from recent incidents by a number of factors, including the degree of contact involved; the fact that the consequences of the play do not appear to be as severe; that this was a hockey play involving a race for the puck; that Mr. Hossa is not a repeat offender; and that the call of a major penalty by the referee was significant and appropriate."

Matt Trowbridge

I heard a radio commentator throwing out conspiracy theories when the NHL did not suspend Marian Hossa for pushing a Predator into the boards in the Blackhawks Game 5 victory Saturday. Everyone seemed to think beforehand, including the TV commentators, that he would be suspended. I haven't watched much hockey since graduating from NCAA power North Dakota in 1982, but I never thought he'd get suspended. Yes, Hossa pushed a player into the boards from behind, but it was more a nudge than a vicious shove and it came when both players were fighting for the puck. The NHL said basically the same thing when it made it's ruling:

NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell conducted a phone hearing with Hossa earlier Sunday afternoon. Campbell made the following statement after the meeting:

"I have made the decision that this play does not warrant supplemental discipline after considering all of the facts, including reviewing the video and speaking with Mr. Hossa," said Campbell. "This play is distinguishable from recent incidents by a number of factors, including the degree of contact involved; the fact that the consequences of the play do not appear to be as severe; that this was a hockey play involving a race for the puck; that Mr. Hossa is not a repeat offender; and that the call of a major penalty by the referee was significant and appropriate."

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